5 things to consider when buying an air conditioner
As summer approaches, you may be getting ready to look for an air conditioning unit for your home. With so many types, models and options available in the market, however, buying an air conditioner may not be as easy as it sounds.
To help you find the right air conditioner that will suit your home and your needs, here are five things to consider when choosing a unit.
Where you live
Australia is known to have some of the most extreme temperatures in the world, from blazing hot summers to extremely chilly winters. Melbourne, especially, is famous for its fluctuating weather, and is often said to have four seasons in one day.
If hot temperatures are your only concern and you do not really need heating where you live (like in the northern end of Australia), then you can go for a cooling-only air conditioner. Daikin air conditioners have advanced technology which allows it to absorb heat from the inside air and release it outside, cooling your home down. Even if temperatures go up as high as 46ºC outside, you will be nice and cool inside!
If you live in Victoria or other southern states though, winter does bring with it some pretty cold days. As such, having a reverse cycle air conditioner that can both heat and cool will definitely come in handy.
Which system you need
The most common types of air conditioning systems include split systems, multi-split systems, and ducted air conditioning. Split systems will suit you if all you want to do is air condition one room or a specific space in your house. Multi-split air conditioners are similar to split systems, but it allows you to connect as many as 5 indoor units to one outdoor unit. Both these systems allow you the flexibility to control each room individually, and you can also choose from cooling-only or reverse cycle models.
Ducted air conditioning is expensive and takes a lot of work to install, but it is a great option if you want to cool (and/or heat) your entire home at one go. Ducted air conditioning systems are also easy to match with your home decor and style, since everything is concealed, with only the air grilles and the controller visible inside your home.
The right size and power
Air conditioners come in various sizes, and we are not talking about the physical sense. Air conditioner sizes refer to their power and capacities, and it is important to find the right one for the space you need to cool or heat.
A unit that is too big or overpowered will waste energy and end up getting the room too hot or too cold. On the other hand, an underpowered or undersized air conditioner will overwork itself to reach the preferred temperature, and will probably break down prematurely due to the strain and excessive wear. In both situations, the air conditioner will not be operating efficiently, resulting in increased running costs.
The general rule is to have a minimum of 1 to 1.5kW of capacity per 10 sq m of space, but there are other factors that can influence the choice of size. Read our previous article to learn how to choose the right air conditioner size.
Energy efficiency
The easiest way to check a system’s energy efficiency is to look at the energy star rating label. The more stars there are, the more energy efficient it is, and the less it will cost to run.
Split system air conditioners are some of the most energy efficient systems. In fact, Daikin’s US7 has a 7-star ‘super efficiency’ rating, making it the most energy efficient split system air conditioner in Australia. All Daikin air conditioners also exceed the Australian Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
Besides energy efficiency, there are some other features that can also help to reduce power usage. For example, some of Daikin’s split systems have the ‘Intelligent Eye’ feature, which automatically adjusts the unit’s power level according to the room occupancy.
Features and functions
One of the most important features to look for nowadays is the air filtration and air purification systems. A good air conditioner will not only cool your house down but also keep the indoor air clean and healthy. Many Daikin air conditioners can not only filter particles and dust, but also remove smoke, odours and germs from the air. Selected models also let you control humidity, which helps to prevent you from having dry skin, throats and eyes.
All Daikin split systems are also approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program, making them ideal for people who have asthma, hay fever or allergies.
Other noteworthy features that can be found on some Daikin models include:
- Comfort Mode and 3D Airflow: The vertical and horizontal auto-swing technology makes it easy to adjust the angle of cooling on the split system, and circulates air to every corner of the room, reducing hot or cold spots.
- Noise Reduction: With Daikin’s whisper-quiet operation, thanks to its exclusive compressor engineering and aero fan designs, you would hardly notice that the air conditioner is running. Perfect for home offices and bedrooms.
- Sleep Mode: When turned on, this energy efficient feature gently adjusts the temperature bit by bit to regulate the air around you and keep you comfortable during your sleep.
- Wi-Fi Smart Device Connectivity: This optional extra allows you to control the temperature in your home with your smartphone device from anywhere, anytime!
Need further assistance to choose the right air conditioner for your home? At Total Electrics & Air-Conditioning, we offer a wide range of air conditioning systems to suit different needs and requirements. Speak to our team today for expert recommendations to help you make the right choice.
